Chronic pain affects quality of life for most Canadian sufferers

A diagnosis for what causes chronic pain does not mean a treatment plan for many Canadians suffering daily. The Report on Pain released today found many wait up to two years to find out the cause of their pain and treatment is not always available.

The report was commissioned by the Canadian Pain Coalition, with support from Pfizer Canada Inc. It explored the journey Canadians living with chronic pain take as patients, finding that 91 percent of those with treatment plans play an active role.

According to Dr. John Clark, medical advisor to the Canadian Pain Coalition and Medical Director of Pain Services, Capital Health, in Halifax being proactive in your care is the key to living well.

There are many reasons that Canadians experience chronic pain from injury, illness or a symptom of a condition millions suffer every day. Arthritis alone affects 4.5 million Canadians.

For those who deal with pain on a daily basis over half are frustrated that they have yet to find a treatment that works and 53 percent feel that healthcare professionals give them conflicting information.

More disturbing is the fact that 67 percent of those who responded to the report are unaware of support or resources that are available. Twenty-six percent of respondents suggested that faster access to treatment, access to pain management clinics and better access to specialists, general practitioners or other physicians as well as better medical coverage for alternative practitioners are things that would help.

"All Canadians need access to health care resources that will prioritize how pain is diagnosed, treated and managed," said Lynn Cooper, president of the Canadian Pain Coalition, in a press release. "In the meantime, more Canadians living with pain need to access the wealth of safe and medically approved information and support available to them. I know from experience that there are ways to reduce the pain and its impact on your life, but you need to be your own best advocate," she added.

For over three-quarters of those dealing with chronic pain the idea of having to live with the pain is a common belief. Because of their condition over 70 percent have a poorer quality of life with pain impacting leisure time, work and employment, their economic situation and family relationships.